Higher cancer risk seen in patients with chronic heartburn

Chronic heartburn was associated with a 78% higher risk of cancers of the throat and vocal cords, even in the absence of heavy smoking and drinking, according to a study in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Researchers said antacids, but not prescription drugs, were linked to lower cancer incidence, but clinicians noted that patients taking prescription therapies often have more severe symptoms to begin with.